New Jersey-born striker Giuseppe Rossi has recovered from a knee injury just in time to earn a spot on Italy's 30-man preliminary roster, announced by head coach Cesare Prandelli on Tuesday.

The Fiorentina marksman was sidelined for four months when he damaged ligaments in his right knee in January, the latest in a long history of injury problems. At the time of his latest injury, he was the top scorer in Serie A with 14 goals in 17 matches. He scored a goal in his return to action as a substitute against Sassuolo last week.

A member of rugged Group D, the four-time World Cup champions open their Brazil 2014 experience against England in Manaus on June 14. Six days later they meet Costa Rica in Recife, and close out their group-stage slate against Uruguay in Natal on June 24.

Like the United States and several other countries, Italy must trim down their squad to 23 members by June 2.